A simple timber side or garden gate.

A side gate or garden gate is usually placed to protect certain areas and/or to keep kids or pets in, intruders or animals out,
or even just for privacy. Generally, a side gate or garden gate is about 1800mm (6ft) high.

As with all outside timber structures, gates have to be designed to withstand the elements. It is a relatively common experience
to have difficulty trying to open (and shut) some timber gates that are either jammed between the posts, or have sagged and are
dragging on the ground. A bit of forethought can alleviate these problems.

Post
size: As a rule of thumb for free-standing posts, use 100x100 (4x4) timber for narrow gates up to 1200mm (4ft) high,
use 125x125 (5x5) posts for narrow gates 1800mm (6ft) high and use at least 150x150 (6x6) posts for wide gates. A smaller size
post can be used if the post is supported in other ways, such as bolted to another structure, held rigid at the top with a cross-member,
or forms part of a pergola, arbour or other type of walk-through structure.

Hole size: For most, a timber post should be concreted into a hole 600mm (2ft) deep and
300mm (1ft) square. A wider heavier gate such as a driveway gate, could require a hole 900mm (3ft) deep. Running a bridge made
out of concrete or timber from post to post just below ground level, is a way of keeping the posts at bay against the pulling forces
of the gate. (See diagram.)

Post spacing: Space the gate posts wide enough apart i.e. about 900mm (3ft), to allow for
common garden and yard implements such as wheelbarrows, to go through.

2 Other ways
to keep gate posts rigid.
Having a spreader of some type fixed between the gate posts above head height is a good way to ensure that the posts cannot move
in towards one another, thus helping to eliminate the possibility of the gate jamming or sagging.

This can be achieved
by having extended gate posts and fixing a spreader (beam or header) in between the two gate posts at least 2000mm (6'-6") above
ground.

Another alternative is to include the gate posts in a walk-through pergola, arbour or gable roof type construction.

3 Making the
gate.
To establish the gate width, measure between the two gate posts and deduct 25mm (1"). This is to allow 12mm (1/2") clearance each
side of the gate.

In this example,
the posts are 900mm (3ft) apart so the gate width will need to be 875mm (35"). Use standard 150x25 (1x6) fence palings 1800mm (6ft)
long.

The gate frame: On even ground, make a rectangular frame 875mm (35") wide and 1500mm (5ft)
long, out of 75x50 (2x3). Mark and cut a piece of 75x50 (2x3) timber and fix in place centrally between the two longer frame members.
(See diagram.)

Square and brace the gate frame: Measure the two opposing diagonals of the gate frame. Adjust
the frame until the two opposing diagonal measurements are the same, then the corners of the rectangle will be at right angles.
(In other words, the frame will be square and not be skew-whiff.)

For the gate bracing, lay a piece of 75x50 (2x3) timber diagonally from corner to corner on the frame. Mark, cut and fix in
place with galvanised nails. (See diagram.)

Gate palings: Nail the 150x25 (1x6) fence palings to the frame using 60mm (2 1/2") flat
head galvanised nails. The palings will be flush with the sides of the frame and overhanging top and bottom equally. The last paling
board might need to be cut (ripped) down the length of the board to fit flush with the edge of the gate frame.

4Hanging (fitting) the gate.
Place the gate in between the two gate posts and sit on packers so the gate is about 50mm off the ground. (Adjust accordingly
if required, to allow for the contour of the ground and to ensure that the gate will be able to swing all the way open.)

Place wedges or packers at the sides of the gate so that the gaps between the gate and posts are even, and the gate is 'jammed
in place'.

The gate should
be able to stay in position by itself while the tee hinges are screwed in place. Place a hinge on each horizontal member (3 in
all). If the gate is to be opening inwards, then the hinges will be fixed to the inside of the gate to the horizontal members.
If the gate is to open outwards, then the hinges will be fixed to the outside of the gate, to the palings and in line with the
horizontal members.

Once the hinges are screwed in place, take out the wedges and/or packing and fit the gate latch. Note that usually, the latch
should be put halfway up the gate, but if the gate is to keep little kids in or out, then put the gate latch towards the top of
the gate.

Finally, cut a hole in the gate handy to the latch and big enough to put a hand through. This is so the gate can be opened from
inside or outside.

5 Fixing the
gate stop.
The gate stop is a vertical piece of timber fixed to the post, that will block the gate from going further than intended and help
avoid any damage to the gate latch and hinges should the gate be excessively blown or slammed shut for any reason.

The gate stop can be a ripping of 25mm (1") thick paling or similar, and is fixed to the post in such a position that will keep
the gate flush with the post when it is in a closed position.

Make the gate stop the same length as the gate and the position will be determined by the thickness of the gate and also by
which side of the gate that the hinges are on. (See diagram below.)